Read Online Reason to Wed (The Distinguished Rogues Book 7) by Heather Boyd - Free Book Online Page A

the loss of her lover and his status as an engaged man. “You must be happy.”
    “I am.” He suddenly frowned. “Despite my marriage, I hope we might remain friends and that you know you might always rely on me.”
    Esme blinked. “What could I possibly need to rely on you for? I am not in any distress. And I imagine your marriage will not increase our knowledge of each other to the point where a deeper friendship can develop.”
    “There’s no reason we cannot remain on the best of terms.” He drew near. “If we were discreet.”
    She narrowed her eyes. Did he assume she’d ignore the fact he was to marry? Men who did, placing so little importance on the commitment they’d made to another, were pitiful, in her opinion. The one thing she would never willingly do was usurp a wife’s place in a husband’s affections. They’d discussed marriage once too, her disinclination to wed again, but perhaps in the exuberance of his successful suit, he’d forgotten her prohibition on entanglements with married and engaged men. “There is every reason. Your future wife’s feelings, for one. I will not be a party to breaking her heart.”
    Meriwether caught her hand in his. “Jane will be a dutiful wife.”
    “So I have heard.” And that was from Lord Windermere. His praise of Jane had been a commonplace compliment at best. She removed her hand from Meriwether’s clinging grip. Jane would be like any properly raised young woman in society today. She’d overlook her husband’s wandering eye and if he strayed into another woman’s bed, she’d hide her hurt from everyone. She would bear the insult in stoic silence, but Esme would never be the one to cause it. “Do give her my regards when you see her next and my best wishes for your happy marriage.”
    “That won’t be for a few days. I had hoped to enjoy the rest of the house party with you.” He smiled a little too warmly. “We came with that intention and I apologize for being distracted.”
    He considered marriage a mere distraction? Good grief, he was cold! “My interest currently lies elsewhere,” she assured the man.
    He glanced behind him. “With our host?”
    Esme was aware that Lord Windermere was watching her every move very closely this morning. Ordinarily, she could ignore him, but today her feelings were mixed. She didn’t mind him looking, yet she didn’t quite know how to react to him. Last night had been good between them. Surprisingly good, and she’d slept well afterward and awakened refreshed and invigorated. But considering the fact that she had been fielding discreet questions about her fling with Windermere all morning, and even this fool had noticed, she would have to speak to Windermere alone and have him stop being so obvious about his interest. “With whomever I choose. Good day, sir.”
    “I understand,” he cried out urgently as she turned away. “You were angry with me last night. I forgive you.”
    Esme pivoted slowly, unable to hide her surprise. “I beg your pardon?”
    “You must have been hurt very badly by last night’s turn of events if you’d make the mistake of letting that man seduce you.” Meriwether removed his hat and raked his fingers through his hair. “Things with Jane happened so fast and I know you were expecting me instead. There is no reason to share his bed again. I’m free to be with you until the end of the house party and when we return to London, I want to call on you at home as usual.”
    Anger surged through her. How dare he think her affair with Lord Windermere existed purely because she’d lost him . Windermere was not second-rate to anyone. He was as vigorous a lover as any she’d had, far more commanding than Meriwether in fact.
    Esme pressed her fingers to her temple. Dear God, am I about to defend Lord Windermere’s prowess after a lifetime of disdain? Apparently so.
    She dropped her hand and straightened her shoulders. “Lord Windermere is a generous lover of great skill and